It may be nearly a month before any paperwork can be filed to declare candidacy, but rumors are already flying in San Carlos over who might be mulling a run for City Council to fill what the Insider has now confirmed is an open seat.

Mayor Tom Davids, who has been on the Council for 12 years, told the Insider today that this year will be his last. Davids’ four-year term is up in November.

“I plan to retire,” said Davids, who will turn 70 this year. “I’ve told a few people, but you can shout it to the rooftops.”

Davids (pictured here) has no grandiose retirement plans to speak of. He’ll be around, he said.

“I just think it’s time to move on and let somebody else have a shot at it,” Davids said. “That empty seat is very attractive. The occupied seat is more difficult. Hopefully this will inspire some interest and get some new people into the game.”

Councilwoman Inge Tiegel Doherty, whose four-year term is also up in November, has spoken publicly about her desire to seek re-election. Tiegel Doherty has been on the Council since 2001.

So, now that we know the ring is wide open, who might be opting to throw their hat in?

For starters, it is true that former Parks and Recreation Commissioner Bob Bredel is mulling a run.

“I can’t believe how fast word travels,” Bredel said when the Insider called him to ask to confirm the rumors. “To answer your question, I’m considering it.”

“Right now I’m doing some very serious discussion with friends and family to see if a run is warranted,” Ahmad said. “I would expect to make a formal announcement probably in the next two weeks or so.”

Ahmad, who has been a resident of San Carlos since 1998, is a self-described “serial entrepreneur” in high tech. He was a member of EDAC for a couple of years – off the cuff, he couldn’t remember exactly how long – until his term ended in January 2005.

“It was a really interesting opportunity to talk to folks who make their living on Laurel Street,” Ahmad said of his time on EDAC.

Multiple sources have also told the Insider that Planning Commission Chair Randy Royce may be mulling a run as well, but a call placed to Royce was also not returned.

Davids and Royce are neighbors on Carmelita Drive. It was pointed out by one source who knows both men well that Royce’s decision was largely hinging on whether Davids would pursue re-election. Royce, the source said, wouldn’t want to run against his neighbor.

Now that Davids has confirmed that he’s done, it probably makes Royce’s consideration all the more possible. We’ll let you know if we hear from him.